TRAC Wattfest

Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest
The 2011 “Wattfest” was held at the Tampa Radio-control Aircraft Club, otherwise known as TRAC on Saturday, October 2nd.  First off, let me just say TRAC is a great facility. It has a beautifully paved asphalt runway and taxiway with a yellow painted centerline, green grass, and plenty of space. It accommodated everything from small 3D foamies to giant scale high speed EDF jets. 
 
The Wattfest was a one day event for electric aircraft of every genre. I arrived at about 10 A.M. and the place was already packed. We grabbed a spot down on the East end and set up shop. I brought my two Extreme Flight Edge 540T EXP’s and my Twisted Hobbys Xtra Slick. Even though the event was for “all electric” airplanes, it could have easily been mistaken as a scale event. There was an abundance of scale aircraft from P-51 Mustangs, to 747 airliners, from giant scale F-16’s, to military helicopters. Also, my friend Austin and I helped to represent the 3D realm of Electric Powered RC.
 
Also, the Smith Brothers came to fly a noon-time demo with their electric U-Control aerobatic aircraft with retracts! Now that was something… and their performance actually one Pilot’s Choice!  But they weren’t only noon-time demos. Austin Brammer, also known as “Doc” Austin online and a Team Extreme Flight Pilot, put on a blistering 3D demo complete with high speed tumbles and flips, knife edge flight, and insane stops and twists. The CD was amazed the Extra EXP stayed together.
 
After the noon-time demos, I went to get some lunch. Terri’s Taters was the food vendor and provided burgers, hot dogs, and French fries out of their trailer and the food was excellent. After the noon-time demos and lunch, I went and grabbed a few more flights on my Edge EXP; I even flew the foamie for a flight. Late in the day my dad grabbed a flight on his Edge EXP as well.
 
In all, it was a really fun event at a great venue. The people were nice, the weather was perfect, and the location was close enough that many people around the Tampa Bay area were able to attend allowing a terrific turnout.
 
Below are some awesome photos provided by David Hart from http://www.warbirdandrcairplanephotography.com/ Enjoy!
 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

Yes, they even had a Space Shuttle!

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

3D Hobby Shop Vyper 65"

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

EDF F-16 There were tons of EDF jets at the Wattfest

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

Great shot by David Hart. Just another great example of different genres of electric flight, from Warbirds to 3D.

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

Extreme Flight Edge 540T EXP 48" piloted by yours truely. Running a Motrolfly 2820-750 motor on 4S with a 14x7 prop and Savox SH-0257Mg servos on the ailerons and rudder with an SH-0255MG on the elevator for extra torque.

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

This heli provide arial shots of the event! Pretty cool!

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

Doc Austin flying his Extreme Flight Extra 300 EXP 48" during the noon-time demo. He runs Hitec servos and the Torque/Airboss power system setup by Extreme Flight with Thunder Power batteries.

 
Model Airplane News - RC Airplane News | TRAC Wattfest

There was even a real functioning gyroplane!

 
Well, that’s it for this time. I’ll soon have a write up and pictures from SEFI at MCRC! Stay tuned!
 
–Tom K.
 
Updated: July 16, 2015 — 4:40 PM
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